Heavy rain plagues Arkansas

Last week many parts of Arkansas were drenched by heavy rain. According to The National Weather Service Hot Springs and Arkadelphia saw close to two inches of rain with minor flooding. This rain affected many different people in many ways.

Early on Wednesday, water slowly started to build up on the roads. This caused treacherous driving conditions for students commuting to campus.

“Honestly, it doesn’t look like it’s going to rain that much, but water is slowly starting to build on the roads,”  Dylan Daniels, commuter to Henderson from Bismarck, said. “It’s very important for students to drive carefully around campus and while driving home.”

 Many high schools in Western Arkansas closed or delayed there starts due to the rising flood

waters. School boards still do not have a date to return to school.

According to the National Weather Service at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday the Red River’s water level in Fulton, was at 6.15ft. On the safe side, many people did not believe the river would top its flood stage.

“We aren’t expecting the Red River to top the flood stage,” Bob Harrison, Chief of Police in Texarkana, said. “We are in constant contact with our weather experts and are prepared to take serious actions if needed.” 

He quickly gave deep detail about how the Arkansas River was affecting many people in the Fort Smith area. Harrison also said that they were in constant contact with other police stations throughout Southern and Western Arkansas and strongly believed they would be called if any help was needed.

Friday the Arkansas River came to its crest. The water has slowly started to recede.

According to the National Weather Service, as of Friday a cooler, drier Labor Day weekend was forecast, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 60’s. After Labor Day, Arkadelphia is expecting to have a break from rain and stormy conditions. The forecast calls for highs in the high-80s to low 90’s and lows in the high 60’s to low 70’s.